Art review: 'PA Made' exhibits fine work by regional ceramic artists

"PA Made," an exhibit of ceramics viewing at the GoggleWorks Schmidt Gallery through next Sunday, is a selection of work, both utilitarian and sculptural, by seven experienced potters from nearby areas of Pennsylvania. The many pieces in the show are alternately elegant, delicate, innovative or any number of descriptive positives that one can attach to them and are indicative of the skill that emanates from our local craftsmen.

The artists featured are Jerry L. Bennett, Jordan McDonald and Dennis Ritter, each from Philadelphia; Willi Singleton from Kempton; James Chaney from Kutztown; Kevin Lehman from Lancaster; and James Pastore from Reading.

From traditional bowls and teapots to decorative plates with advanced glaze techniques, each series of works bears the individual touch of its maker, and I found myself identifying the artist without even looking at the tags. This was a surprisingly fun show for me.

Singleton fires his pots and other items in the traditional Japanese method of an in-ground, wood-firing kiln. These pieces use the ash of the burning wood to produce unusual surface textures and earthy patterns. A work titled "Large Landscape Slab" in particular displays his technique quite clearly as the ash firing gives off a deep blue impression of landscape and drooping clouds on a thick wedge of clay.

Dainty paper clay works by Bennett offer us subtly elite versions of vases and teapots that appear to be made for a single flower or one refined serving of espresso. These are charming and delicately made, a delight to look at as much as to use. The same may be said for the stylish butter dishes and earthenware mugs of Pastore.

Chaney, an instructor from Kutztown University, incorporated representational or formal elements into the functional aspects of his art. There is a definite tactile sensitivity to his work. "Wedge Form," for instance, is a 6-inch-tall vase of angular protuberances that almost begs you to hold it in your hands.

The bowls and plates of McDonald are a bit more stylized in their approach with pronounced forms and deep colors. "Long Dish," a deep green tubular form with an open rectangle between its closed ends, would be such an example.

The heavy urns of Lehman are beautiful presentation pieces that echo classical amphorae of ages past. They maintain a strong physical presence and are deceptively functional for their size. "Classic Vessel," for instance curves up from a thin base to a wide bulge with dual handles. At 3 feet tall, it sits regally on a plinth.

"Plant No. 1," by Ritter, is a purely sculptural work that conjoins three cylinders reminiscent of large fuel tanks and positions them atop a tiered set of wooden blocks and smooth planks. The tank forms are glazed near the top with red markings to suggest an industrial appearance. Utility here does not apply, as the tanks are a vessel of another kind and purely objective.

Every piece in his exhibit is exemplary and would only be more complete if the work of Oley's Dolores Kirchner were included.

As such, it is a splendid exhibit of ceramic works by Pennsylvania craft professionals.